WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A 13-year-old girl is being charged as an adult with homicide after she allegedly confessed she stabbed her mother to death, saying “I’m the reason my mom is dead,” according to police.
Police have charged 13-year-old Lataya Powell with homicide after a coroner was called to a home in the 20 block of South Sherman Street in Wilkes-Barre.
According to the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, around 12:30 p.m. they responded to reports of an unresponsive woman who was not breathing.
Upon arrival, police say they found the victim with multiple stab wounds to her neck, back and heavy blood flow coming from her head.
Police note they also found an 11-year-old boy on the scene with apparent stab wounds to the back but they appeared to be non-life threatening.
The affidavit states when officers arrived there were no knives or cutting instruments in plain view, however, noticed kitchen drawers and cabinets had padlocks on them.
One ‘hasp’ appeared to have been broken and a padlock was lying on the ground, the affidavit notes.
Officers said when they first made contact with Powell she said she was sorry she killed her mom and she stabbed her during an argument.
The criminal complaint states Powell said, “I killed my mom and she’ll never forgive me if she is alive.”
Wilkes-Barre police said Powell told them she threw the weapon on the neighbor’s doorstep.
Officers said Powell made various comments while in custody such as “I don’t have my phone because my mom took it before our fight,” “I’m the reason my mom is dead,” and “I don’t know how people can do stuff like this and not feel bad about it,” along with various of other comments.
Powell has been charged with homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence.
Officials note Powell is being charged as an adult.